How to chose your Broker?

I do want to help you get to the heart of the matter when interviewing brokers, and make this tough process a little less opaque.

Asking the right questions unlocks the right answers. Below are some questions to ask when choosing a brokerage. They are designed to get deeper than the simple: “How much will they charge me?” While commission splits are important, the fact remains that the average commission on just two transactions separates the cheapest from the most expensive in most towns. (By the way, a  brokerage that’s worth it’s salt should be worth at least two extra transactions per year.) If you are looking for a truly great fit, apply these questions the next time you interview a new brokerage:

1. Trust: Do I want to be in business with the people at the top of this organization both locally and nationally or internationally? Do I trust them to always do the right thing by me? Do they have a track record in the industry of making good on their promises?

2. Leverage: Do I believe that this environment serves my business and ultimately my personal life by extension (since my business should make my entire life better) as leverage to grow to new levels professionally? Is this company growing? Can they articulate clearly their path to growth? Is it exciting?

3. Ceiling: Is there a ceiling of achievement at this company that I see others hitting? When they hit that ceiling, do they stagnate? Am I alright with hitting that ceiling? Is ownership at a personal ceiling or achievement? Can they articulate where they are going and why they are going there?

4. Coaching: Does the company have a coaching and mentoring environment? Do I see other agents using this effectively? What coaching do I need to break through to the next level in my business? Can they provide this type of coaching?

5. Opportunity: Does the broker or owner have the systems and talent in place to provide opportunity for me to grow past where average agents top out? If they don’t yet have all the pieces, do they have a roadmap to get there? Is there an opportunity for leadership and even ownership with this company?

6. Talent: Do they hire great supporting talent? If I were starting a brokerage, would I hire the ownership to lead it? Does everyone from leadership to staff have a track record of success?

7. Culture: Is the culture of the company a fit for me? Do I feel at home with everyone from leadership to the front desk? Do they give back to the community in ways that are meaningful to me? Is there a culture of productivity or mediocrity? Do I feel like a commodity or that the brokerage will invest in my growth?

Asking these questions of both yourself and the broker will add a layer of context to your decision that you probably wouldn't reach otherwise. As you grow professionally and your career goals get bigger, you'll probably need to revisit these questions every so often to make sure that you're in the best place for your continued success.